In a recent poll, Donald Trump has emerged with a slight advantage over Kamala Harris among Arab American voters amidst debates on Middle East policy.
Semafor reported that a new survey found that amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and Middle East policy differences, Donald Trump slightly leads Kamala Harris in Arab American voter preferences.
According to an Arab News/YouGov poll, 45% of Arab American voters currently support Donald Trump, while 43% favor Kamala Harris. This marginal lead falls within the error range of the survey, indicating a closely contested preference amongst Arab Americans.
The polling data, shared early with Semafor, indicates fluctuating political alliances with 4% of Arab Americans supporting Jill Stein, while 6% remain undecided. Additionally, 2% of those polled preferred not to disclose their favored candidate.
An earlier survey conducted by the Arab American Institute similarly highlighted a tight race, with Trump receiving 42% and Harris 41% support from Arab American voters. The ongoing conflict in Gaza plays a significant role in these voting patterns as candidates present their policies and positions regarding the Middle East.
The Democratic Party is experiencing a rift over its stance on Israel, intensified by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This internal disagreement impacts how candidates like Harris are perceived within the Arab American community.
Kamala Harris has supported the Biden administration’s efforts towards a ceasefire in Israel and has publicly acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense while also expressing concern for Palestinian casualties. Her balanced approach seeks to address the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern politics.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has been highly critical of the Democrats' position on Israel, often using charged language. On Truth Social, Trump disparaged Harris for campaigning with Liz Cheney, whom he criticized heavily, reflecting his contentious style of engagement with political opponents.
During his campaign, Trump argued that the Middle East would face greater destabilization under a Harris presidency. He also claimed, controversially, that the October 7th attack would not have occurred had he still been president, reflecting his typical bold assertions without detailed policy exposition.
To broaden his appeal, Trump also targeted states with significant Arab American populations, suggesting his policies would be more favorable to Middle Eastern stability.
The poll surveyed 500 Arab Americans across the United States and found that 39% believed Trump would likely resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, compared to 33% for Harris. This represents a critical aspect of voter sentiment, given the ongoing regional tensions.
Racism and discrimination against Arab Americans were another significant concern, with 46% of respondents fearing that these issues might escalate under the Trump administration.
However, the top priorities for Arab American voters include resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, which 29% listed as their primary concern, followed by the economy and the cost of living, both at 21%.
Kamala Harris has been actively campaigning with figures like former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, particularly in battleground states like Michigan, which has a considerable Arab American community. This strategy highlights the diversity within her campaign approach, targeting a broad demographic spectrum.
The preferences and concerns of Arab American voters play a pivotal role in shaping the candidates’ strategies as they address both national and international issues. The close margin between Trump and Harris exemplifies the nuanced and divided perspectives within the Arab American community.